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Study Guide

When you are afraid, the LORD is your light

Fear is a universal emotion, and David confronts it by focusing on God's nature, finding courage to wait and trust. Despite being pursued by Saul and later by Absalom, David consistently sought refuge in God, exemplified in 1 Samuel 23:15-28, where Jonathan encourages him not to fear. This session explores childhood and current fears, divine intervention, and metaphors for God used by David. It discusses how David's confidence in God translates into spiritual strength, encourages worship in response to fear, and offers practical ways to seek God's presence. Other relevant psalms about fear include 3, 24, 34, 46, 56

Classroom

**Session 1: When you are afraid, the LORD is your light (Psalm 27)**

**Summary**: There is a prayer for every situation and season of life. Fear is a universal human emotion, a natural reaction to any perceived threat. David shouts back at his fear by declaring the realities of God’s nature. Focusing on this, he finds the courage to wait and trust.

**Background**: David’s life was threatened on many occasions. He was pursued by Saul for several years and later by his son Absalom who had usurped his throne and sought to kill him. In each case, David was on the move from one hiding place to another. You can read about one of those episodes in 1 Samuel 23:15-28. Here David’s friend Jonathan tells him not to fear and he strengthens him in the LORD. Just as David is about to be captured by Saul’s men, Saul is drawn away and David finds refuge in a  stronghold in En Gedi.

**Opening Questions:**

1. What were some of your childhood fears? How did you deal with them?

2. What fears are you facing today? What impact do they have on your daily life?

3. Have you experienced a moment when God’s help showed up at just the right time?

**Study Questions:**

1. What three metaphors does David use to describe the LORD in verse 1?

2. How does each of these relate to David’s experience on the battlefield?

3. How does each of these give David confidence (vs. 3)?

4. Is David on the battlefield or in the tabernacle when he prays verses 4-6?

5. What is the “one thing” that David asks of the LORD (vs. 4)?

6. What does it mean to “gaze upon the beauty of the LORD?” (v. 4)

7. What does it mean to “seek God’s face” (vs. 8)?

8. In addition to the physical threats on the battlefield, what other challenges is he facing (vs. 12)?

9. To whom is David speaking in verse 14? Himself? Anyone who will listen?

10. In what sense is Jesus our light, salvation, and stronghold?

**Application Questions:**

1. While your life may not be in danger the same way David’s was, what spiritual attacks are you dealing with?

2. David placed his confidence in the LORD (vs. 3). What alternatives to the LORD are you tempted to place your confidence in?

3. If you could ask “one thing” of the LORD, what would it be? Have you asked lately?

4. Verses 4-6 suggest that David is worshiping in response to his fears. How does worship help you overcome fear? Describe a time when you experienced this.

5. David’s “ask” in this psalm seems to be for vision, to see God more clearly (vs. 4). How do you go about “seeing” God in practical ways?

6. “Dwelling in the LORD’s house” and “seeking his face” are metaphors for experiencing God’s presence. What can you do to experience a greater sense of God’s presence throughout your day-to-day life?

7. What are some dark places in your life that could use some light?

**Other psalms about fear: 3, 24, 34, 46, 56, 91, 112, 118**



When you are afraid, the LORD is your light

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When you are afraid, the LORD is your light Instructions